They say that culture is the people’s way of life. Every people have their distinct culture. This culture makes them different from every other nation or community of people. As you know, there are over 300 ethnic groups in Nigeria today. Each of these people have their unique festivals that they always carry out annually. We want to show you the most popular cultural festivals in Nigeria today.
As we pointed above, there are many cultural festivals that we can’t even mention all. But, we want to focus on the biggest and most popular ones. You probably must have heard of them. So, let’s see what they are, which people celebrate the festival and then when they do so. Enjoy the sight.
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Biggest Cultural Festivals In Nigeria
Here are the biggest and most popular cultural festivals you will ever see in Nigeria today.
1. Argungu Fishing Festival
The exciting spectators and the anxious competitors at this cultural is one thing that makes Argungu Fishing Festival an epic one. The festival presents an opportunity for the different tribes in the north to unite and compete healthily for fun. Argungu festival begun as four different religious rites serving as a communal affair prior to the time of Surame Gungu of Kebbi Kingdom. Argungu festival presents an opportunity for the different tribes in the north to unite and compete healthily for fun.
2. Calabar Christmas Carnival
The Calabar Carnival is acclaimed the biggest street party in Africa . The state-wide carnival has successfully become a unique event where people from all over the country and beyond go to have crazy fun and experience amazing hospitality. The Calabar Carnival has put Cross Rivers State in the frontline of the country’s tourism export package. The carnival has so far served, not only as an avenue for relaxation and funfare, but also to amplify more facets of localized heritage and culture, at the same time strengthening the capability of the local people to take part in an economically beneficial way.
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3. Eyo Festival
The Yoruba people particular based in Lagos are known to celebrate the Eyo festival. It has become so popular over the years that other tribes and foreigners often join in to celebrate the epic event in Lagos, Nigeria. The ceremony/festival has overtime garnered fame and thus in modern times also serves as a tourist attraction for people all over the world. There are, however, a couple of important facts you should know about the festival.
4. Ofala Festival
The historical Ofala Festival in Igboland is usually celebrated towards the end of every conventional year as an event that marks the end of the 13th month in Igbo calendar and the beginning of another Igbo year (Igu Aro). The festival is also celebrated as a sign of authority and legitimacy bestowed on the traditional ruler in the land to guide the people on the path of truth and wisdom. Hence, it is titled Ofo (Authority) Ala (Land).
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5. CarniRiv
From cultural displays to an international Aquatic Fiesta, Street Parties, Heritage Parades, Praise Jam, a Beauty Pageant and a whole lot more, CarniRiv takes its place at the helm of carnival affairs. Held in Port Harcourt, the Carnival starts a few weeks before Christmas and lasts for seven days. During this time several ceremonial events are held, most of which hold some cultural and or sacred significance. CarniRiv bears a certain uniqueness as it combines two carnivals – a purely cultural carnival and a contemporary Caribbean style carnival- in one.
6. Osun Festival
The Osun Festival is acclaimed as one of the most popular cultural festivals in Nigeria today. People from all walks of life make their ways to Osun State each year to witness this great event. There are several activities planned around the festival, as tourists and visitors all come to witness, interact and partake in the two-week long celebration. The Osun Festival is also acclaimed to provide solutions to people’s problems when they pay visit to the Oshun River.
Also See: List Of All Ethnic Groups In Nigeria And Their States
7. Durbar Festival
Hawan Sallah or Hawan Daushe as it is locally called is a royal parade of thousands of men on horses adorned with garments and regalia. It is a colourful display of culture full of pomp and pageantry. A spectacular traditional concert of and bazaar of African music. It is celebrated at the culmination of Muslim festivals Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It begins with prayers, followed by a parade of the Emir and his entourage of horses, accompanied by music players, and ending at the Emir’s palace. The festival is full of colourful processions led by the Emir and it features a competition between the Royal Calvary, drummers, trumpeters, praise singers and wrestlers, making it a widely viewed event in Northern Nigeria.
Conclusion
The above are some of the best Cultural Festivals In Nigeria. Of course they are many, but these ones are the biggest and most popular. Did we omit any? Let us know below.
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